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Bleecker Street cafe a hit with students, staff
1:33 p.m., Oct. 27, 2006--Although Bleecker Street has only been open for about a month, UD's newest campus eatery, located in the Morris Library Commons, is quickly becoming a hit with members of the UD community. Dining Services celebrated the opening of Bleecker Street with a grand opening on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at which customers had a chance to win prizes ranging from T-shirts to a semester-long free weekly pass for a customer and friend. “The concept is definitely taking off,” Sue Bogan, director of Dining Services, said. “The customers welcome the variety in our menu offerings as well as the comfortable environment to relax and study.” The first 50 customers on Wednesday received a free Bleecker Street cookie, and UD's favorite mascot, YoUDee, stopped by to greet customers and hang out with the staff, who were busy preparing and selling a wide variety of baked good and specialized sandwiches, soups and gourmet coffee. “It's something new, and it's a lot of fun working here,” Margaret Ramos, a baker's helper in Dining Services, said. “I make muffins, Danish pastries, cookies, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, scones, croissants and some of the bread. I'm very busy.” Student and staff favorites so far, Ramos said, include banana chocolate chip and blueberry muffins and double chocolate chip brownies. “The students like it, and the response has been good,” Ramos said. “It's very exciting, and I look forward to coming to work here.” Morin Stewart, a sophomore and political science major, said that the laid-back setting of Bleecker Street provides a nice place to study while enjoying lunch or a snack.
Allan Moore, a manager of cart locations in Dining Services, said that the number of customers has increased almost daily since Bleecker Street opened its doors to the UD community on Oct. 4. “With so many 'grab-and-go' places being available, I think people like a place where they can come in and see the products being made,” Moore said. “The paninis are by far the best seller. If people come in and give us a try, I know they will be back for seconds.” Bleecker Street at UD is one of four pilot locations for the bakery-style cafés designed by ARAMARK in response to surveys of students, faculty and staff at four-year universities across the America. Other locations include the University of Minnesota, East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C., and the University of Southern Maine in Gorham. “We did a lot of research on this kind of thing, and we noticed that today's students have grown up accustomed to brand items and franchises,” Stacy Schlessinger, ARAMARK concept development manager, said. “Students like the bakery setting and the fact that all our menu offerings are made right here.” Scott Zahren, director of culinary development in ARAMARK, said that the popularity of Bleecker Street-style restaurants reflects a growing number of students looking for healthier eating alternatives. “A lot of people are vegan or vegetarians, and they are looking for things that they can enjoy,” Zahren said. “We are refining the concept, noting what is selling and not selling. Once the semester is finished, we will begin working to market this concept to other higher education sites.” Meryln Bowen, marketing director in Dining Services, said that the response was positive and the customers seemed to be pleased with the new settings and dining options. “Students welcomed the change, both in terms of ambience and menu,” Bowen said. “We also were pleased to see a number of off-campus students enjoying meals here. Our prizes were much welcomed, especially the black, Bleecker Street T-shirts and the free lunch pass.” Article by Jerry Rhodes
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